Ncobile Maseko

Pharmacist/ founder/ Editor-in-Chief

About Me

I am currently serving as an Acting Pharmacy Manager, leading a team of 13 predominantly young healthcare professionals. In addition, I hold the position of Secretary for the SAAHIP Mpumalanga Branch.

Fun Fact

During a period when our facility had only two pharmacist assistants, both of whom were on extended leave, stock was accumulating unreceived. I took the initiative to volunteer in the storeroom where I uncovered my true passion for stock management. I now describe this section as where I feel most alive — almost obsessed, would be another way to describe it.

Superpower

I believe I possess an abundance of adrenaline beyond what a typical person experiences, although I often appear calm. While I can't guarantee that I never accept "no" as a final answer, once I set my mind on something, you can trust it will come to fruition. This persistence has led to the successful execution of two significant projects that are dear to me: the PASSMA event and the website launch. I have a knack for spotting talent and utilising it effectively, provided I'm given the opportunity. I'm constantly analysing processes to explore how they can be improved.

Healthcare Dream

My vision for healthcare revolves around elevating the quality of national public health services. While I acknowledge the need for increased resources, I firmly believe that the potential exists within the system. It begins with individual healthcare providers who choose to make a difference, embrace innovation and support one another. For me, the sky's the limit — South African healthcare has the potential to become exemplary, not only in Africa but throughout the world.

Khadija Khan

pharmacist/ co-founder/ associate editor/ writer

About Me

My role has grown far beyond the traditional scope of dispensing. My work includes stock management, staff training, process improvement, system troubleshooting and finding practical solutions to the everyday challenges of pharmacy practice. For me, pharmacy is about much more than medicines — it's about people, problem-solving, creativity and constantly asking, "How can we do this better?"

Fun Fact

When Ncobile proposed the idea of starting a pharmacy newsletter, the wheels in my brain immediately started turning. I went off for lunch and came back with a name: The Side Effect. While her vision remains at the heart of the publication, I have had the privilege of helping turn that vision into something tangible. Plainly speaking, I'm the Pinky to her Brain as we explore new ideas, challenge the status quo and strive to bring innovation to the pharmaceutical sector.

Superpower

I'm passionate about making pharmacy services more efficient, meaningful and, where possible, a little less complicated. I enjoy taking challenges and turning them into ideas, projects and practical solutions — especially when there's an opportunity to make things work better for both patients and pharmacy teams. Give me an idea, a problem and a little bit of time, and there's a very good chance I'll turn it into a project — usually with a spreadsheet, a Canva design, far too many ideas and an unhealthy amount of determination.

Healthcare Dream

I dream of a future where technology makes pharmacy practice easier, safer and more connected. I envision a healthcare system built around e-prescribing and truly interactive prescriptions, where prescribers and pharmacists are supported with real-time information on potential drug interactions, contraindications and side effects as a prescription is being written and dispensed.

Ndumiso Mdhluli

district pharmacist/ co-founder/ advisor

Reviews clinical content for accuracy and real-world relevance.

Margaret Mukuya

pharmacist/ contributor/writer

About Me

Known as Maggie, I am a pharmacist with an MBA and a qualification in Health Economics, bringing together my passion for healthcare, pharmacy and creative storytelling. With experience in the pharmacy and healthcare space, I enjoy transforming complex health and medicine-related topics into engaging, relatable content that people can understand and connect with.

Fun Fact

Behind the healthcare professional, I am someone who loves creativity, fashion, family adventures and finding ways to make everyday life a little more beautiful.

Superpower

I make complicated things simple. I have a knack for taking technical healthcare information and turning it into clear, meaningful stories that educate without overwhelming the reader.

Healthcare Dream

I want to contribute to a public health system where quality healthcare and essential medicines are accessible to everyone — regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances. I dream of using my pharmacy, health economics and communication skills to help bridge the gap between healthcare policy and the people it is ultimately designed to serve. Through my writing, I hope to make pharmacy and public health conversations more accessible, human and impactful — one story at a time.

Gaontebale Moteane

environmental health practitioner/ contributor/ writer

About Me

I work as an Environmental Health Practitioner with a Masters Degree in Public Health. Much of my work involves identifying and reducing environmental risks that can cause ill health.

Fun Fact

I once won a MAC makeup set from Elle magazine for  an entry on ' how fashion and magazine can be used to promote HIV/AIDS health education'.

Superpower

Kindness and consideration for others. I use them as strengths to get effective results. I've found most people respond better that way.

Healthcare Dream

I support the National Health Insurance (NHI) and look forward to its effective implementation that benefits all South Africans — implementation that removes or reduces the barriers to accessing healthcare service

Innocentia Maubane

pharmacist/ contributor / writer

About Me

I am a Primary Healthcare Pharmacist, and I manage and supervise clinic pharmacies.

Fun Fact

I have a passion for clinical pharmacy and analytical problem-solving.

Superpower

I turn complex challenges into practical solutions through clinical thinking, teamwork and data analysis.

Healthcare Dream

I want to strengthen primary healthcare by improving pharmacy services, medicine management, patient care and health outcomes.

Basetsana Maphanga

pharmacist/ contributor/ writer

Researches and drafts features on public health pharmacy.